Arrests and Probable Cause

Learn what constitutes an arrest, and what the police have to know before they can make an arrest.

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Learn what constitutes an arrest, and what the police have to know before they can make an arrest.

What is An Arrest? When Can the Police Make One?

An arrest requires physical restraint or submission to an officer's show of force. Police need "probable cause" in order to make a lawful arrest.

What is an Arrest?
An arrest may happen long before the suspect is taken to jail.

When the Police Can Make an Arrest: Probable Cause
Learn what the police must know before making an arrest.

Common Questions

These questions often arise in arrest situations.

If I was unlawfully arrested, will the charge against me be dropped?
Charges are rarely dropped even when the arrest is ruled unlawful.

Can I be charged with a crime without being arrested?
Suspects can be given citations instead of being arrested.